Torn between sipping cocktails on a beach and cramming as many family activities into your itinerary as possible? Find balance on the friendly islands of Tonga. Direct flights from Sydney to Nuku’alofa take less than five hours. After exploring the main island of Tongatapu, take a plane to Lifuka Island and lie back on the golden sands of Ha’apai Beach Resort while the kids entertain themselves watching for passing humpback whales or snorkelling the serene waters.

Just under three hours from Brisbane by plane, this tropical getaway provides an escape route to life lived in the slow lane. Snorkelling and scuba diving tours are a must-do for marine life enthusiasts: a good day might deliver dugong and turtle sightings in addition to gliding between colourful fish and coral. The Blue Lagoon, around 30 minutes’ drive from the capital of Port Vila, is as glass-clear as you’d expect from paradise and there’s no need to do anything other than loll around in its beauty. You’ll be well and truly on island time upon arrival to your waterfront bungalow on Erakor Island Resort in the island’s southwest, where the ocean is just footsteps from your bed.

Flights from Darwin to the Tiwi Islands take just 30 minutes but this under-the-radar gem is full of surprises. Marvel at the islands’ red cliffs and immerse yourself in the culture of the Tiwi people, who have inhabited the island for more than 40,000 years. On Bathurst Island lies the Tiwi Island Retreat, where luxury glamping tents can comfortably accommodate five guests and feature private beachfront spas.

Get close to the biota that earned Lord Howe Island its spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list by joining a bird-watching expedition or hopping onto one of Islander Cruises’ glass-bottomed boats to view coral reefs teeming with colourful fish. At day’s end, unwind at Capella Lodge, which overlooks the island’s iconic Gower and Lidgbird mountains. It’s all just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Sydney.

It’s easy to live like royalty on King Island. Not only does it abound in natural beauty, it’s also a food lover’s paradise. Everything from fresh seafood, locally produced cheese, beer and spirits are waiting to be sampled. Make yourself at home at Kittawa Lodge, where you’ll take in views of the rugged coastline while enjoying a private chef-prepared meal. 

Norfolk Island’s remote location, historic colonial buildings and the gently undulating waters of Emily Bay make the two-and-a-half-hour flight from Brisbane more than worthwhile for travellers seeking a relaxed pace away from frantic crowds. After sunset, turn your gaze to the sky; thanks to its minimal light pollution, the island has been designated a Gold Level Dark Sky Town, assuring you panoramic views of the cosmos.

Independent travellers can diverge from the major tourist crowds by visiting Horn Island, a two-hour flight from Cairns. The main jetty is a popular fishing spot and crystalline waters offer an unparalleled backdrop for casting a line and waiting for fish to bite. Join a Peddells ferry and bus tour to Thursday Island, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural, military, maritime and pearling history. 

The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 900 islands and Hamilton Island, a two-and-a-half-hour direct flight from Sydney, is a haven for romantic getaways and family holidays alike. Book a Windward Pavilion at Qualia, on the northern tip of the island, and embark on a private helicopter tour of postcard-perfect Heart Reef. Then it’s decision time: explore the surface of those dazzling waters on kayak, dive deep with a snorkel or chill by your private plunge pool. No stress.